Pakistan’s freelancers earn $549 million in Q1 FY27, up 45%

Pakistan’s freelancers earned $549 million in foreign exchange in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, July-September 2026, up 45% from $377.3 million a year earlier, according to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data.

Both IT and non-IT freelancers recorded gains, while industry leaders called for stronger skills training.

How much do Pakistani freelancers earn?

Pakistani freelancers earned $549 million in the quarter. IT-related freelancers generated $333 million in export receipts, up 22% from $272 million a year earlier. Non-IT freelancers earned $215 million, more than double the $104 million recorded in the corresponding period last year.

Non-IT freelancers include content writers, voice-over artists, online teachers, e-commerce specialists and other professionals providing services remotely. The faster growth reflects the expanding contribution of digital services beyond the technology sector.

Why are Pakistani freelancers not tapping global opportunities?

Ibrahim Amin, chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), said the country’s freelance workforce and its contribution to the economy had grown in recent years, as reflected in rising export receipts. However, he said Pakistani freelancers were not fully tapping global opportunities because of gaps in emerging technology skills, communication and business development.

Amin called on the government and private sector to work together to equip freelancers with in-demand technical and interpersonal skills. With limited employment opportunities in the formal industrial sector, he said freelancing offered young Pakistanis an alternative route to earning a sustainable income and accessing international markets.

How can Pakistan grow its freelance workforce?

Pakistan has an estimated three million freelancers, making it one of the world’s largest freelance communities. Industry stakeholders say a coordinated national strategy is needed to expand the workforce and strengthen its competitiveness in the global digital economy.

Dr Noman Ahmed Said, a freelancing coach, said independent professionals needed to keep upgrading their skills as rapid technological advances reshape global markets and create uncertainty for businesses and workers. He urged the government to introduce technology-focused education from school level, equipping students with digital literacy, technical expertise and business development skills needed to compete internationally.

The chief executive of Si Global said Pakistan could increase its freelance workforce from three million to four million within a year if the government developed a national roadmap and worked with the private sector to promote freelancing, skills training and digital entrepreneurship.